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I fixed a 5PT Lower Spreader that split length ways from where it connects to the center "T". I spread the crack and filled it with Crazy Glue and clamped it closed.

I then used a piece of heat shrink tubing the same length as the crack. I added another piece of heat shrink tubing about an inch long right at the end of the spreader where it connects to the "T". I doubled it up to make it as strong as possible at the weakest part of the crack.

I flew in very gusty, and at times, very strong winds today and seems to be holding.

I think this could be done as a field repair. The crazy glue tube is very small and the heat shrink tube will fold flat. All that is left is a lighter to heat the tubing to shrink it. Only problem is finding a place out of the wind to keep the lighter going.

Does any one else have any other solutions for mending snapped or cracked rods?

As a field repair like you stated and you really want to continue to fly your fix is about as good as you could do. Like everybody says though, replace the spar ASAP. Damage to the spar may extend further then you can see or there may be damage in another area, in either case the spar has been weakened and the likelyhood of another failure increased.

Another possible "field repair": if it's a clean break, not a long split is an internal ferrule glued in, that wouldn't have worked in your case unless you could've knocked the ferrule out of the other spreader and glued it into the split side. Again though replace the spar ASAP.

We could help you list out a proper field repair kit with spare rods and all but as you get more kites you'll just leave it at home and fly something else anyway

Logged

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That is better then the 3 layers of duct tape and 6 tie wraps I saw on a lower spreader this past weekend. There was more.... but I could not look. Person said he had modified it for heavy winds. I gave him some wind tamers.

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